NATO chief says allies discussing 'next steps' to keep Arctic safe

BRUSSELS

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Monday that allied nations are discussing "next steps" to ensure security in the Arctic, citing a risk that Russia and China could be “more active” in the strategically important region.

"All allies agree on the importance of the Arctic and Arctic security, because we know that with sea lanes opening up, there is a risk that the Russians and the Chinese will be more active. And as you know, there are eight Arctic countries, " Rutte told reporters at a joint press conference with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic in Zagreb.

He said seven of the eight Arctic states are NATO members – the US, Canada, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Finland, and Sweden – while Russia remains the only Arctic country outside the alliance. China, he added, has also become an increasingly active player in the region despite lacking geographic presence.

"By now, China has almost become a sort of Arctic country, and not geographically, but at least by the sheer amount of their activities and interest in the region," Rutte said.

He noted that NATO concluded internal discussions last year on how to strengthen cooperation among its Arctic members and is now working on "practical follow-up" measures.

"Currently, we are discussing the next step to that, how to make sure that we give practical follow-up on those discussions to make sure that, as an alliance, we do everything, collectively and through our individual allies, to make sure that the Arctic stays safe, as we all agree that has to be a priority," he said.

Rutte said NATO has become more engaged in Arctic security since 2025 at the request of its seven High North allies, calling the region "a vital part of NATO territory."

His remarks came amid reports that a group of European countries, led by the UK and Germany, is planning to expand its military presence in Greenland.

"You've seen some announcements by the Brits and the Germans," Rutte said. "Today we are working now together to see how we can basically together as an alliance… build that next step."

'Trump is doing right thing for NATO'

On relations with the US, Rutte dismissed concerns of an internal crisis within NATO, praising US President Donald Trump's push for higher defense spending among allies.

"I believe that Donald Trump is doing the right things for NATO by encouraging us all to spend more to equalize this what the US is spending," he said. "When I praise somebody, it is based on facts, and I believe the facts are there."

Croatian Prime Minister Plenkovic said dialogue remains key to resolving tensions surrounding Greenland's status.

"I am confident that with discussion, we can find a solution that will ensure security for the US, and it will make sure that Greenland is a part of Denmark... That's why high-quality dialogue is necessary, and it can definitely resolve the situation for the benefit of global security," Plenkovic said.